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United Way shy of goal, raises $1M

United Way of Mesa County’s 2010–11 fundraising campaign fell short of its stated goal and the amount raised during last year’s campaign, but the nonprofit did top $1 million, and it experienced an increase in employee participation within workplace campaigns.

Officials announced Thursday they received $1,081,035 in donations, which is 90 percent of the $1.2 million goal and 2 percent less than the $1.1 million the humanitarian agency had raised at this time last year.

The agency, however, reported a 6 percent boost in workplace campaign giving, which represents 80 to 85 percent of annual funding.

“It is a huge success to see that 6 percent more people gave through the workplace this year,” campaign co-chairwoman Debe Colby said in a statement. “That shows that our community wants to give and help those in need locally, and they gave whatever they could.”

United Way will keep the 2010–11 campaign open for pledges through the end of March in order to maximize the funds that will be allocated to the more than 60 health and human-services programs that have applied for funding this year. People who want to donate can pledge online at http://www.unitedwaymesacounty.org or call 243-5364.

United Way also handed out a number of “Phil” (for philanthropy) Awards:

The Edison Award went to RE/MAX 4000 for innovative campaign techniques.

The Raul Ramos Memorial Award went to Whitney Smythe-Smith of Bank of the West for workplace leadership.

The Leaps and Bounds Award went to the city of Fruita for the biggest boost in a campaign over last year.

The Challenge Award went to the Grand Junction Police Department and Mesa County Sheriff’s Department for the best collaborative effort among industry peers.

The Maverick Award went to Kohl’s for the greatest success with a first-time workplace campaign.

The Trail Blazer Award went to Dalby Wendland & Co. for setting the philanthropic example for its industry by significant campaign involvement.

The Spirit of Giving Award went to US Bank for best exemplifying the spirit of the United Way.